These days it pays to do gymnastics in college. The best example of this is Olivia Paige "Livvy" Dunne. Born on October 1, 2002, Dunne is making waves both in the artistic gymnastics arena and the realm of social media. A natural athlete, Dunne has become a notable figure, showcasing her talent in gymnastics while also amassing a significant following online.
Dunne's journey in gymnastics began in 2005 at ENA Gymnastics in Paramus, New Jersey. She swiftly rose through the ranks, making her elite debut at the 2014 American Classic and solidifying her status as a USA national team member. Despite facing challenges and injuries, she persevered, qualifying for elite status and making her mark on the national stage.
In 2017, she achieved a significant milestone by being selected for the team at the City of Jesolo Trophy, marking her international debut and earning her a spot on the National Team. She continued to excel, finishing fifth in the all-around at the 2017 U.S. Classic and ninth at the National Championships.
Transitioning to the senior level in 2018, Dunne faced trials, including an ankle injury that limited her participation. Despite the setbacks, she signed her National Letter of Intent with Louisiana State University (LSU) in November 2019, joining the LSU Tigers gymnastics team for the 2020–21 season.
Her collegiate career at LSU has been remarkable. Making her NCAA debut in 2020, she consistently demonstrated her prowess on the uneven bars, contributing to LSU's team success. In the 2021–22 season, she expanded her repertoire, competing on both uneven bars and floor exercise. However, LSU faced challenges, failing to qualify for the national championship as a team.
Beyond gymnastics, Dunne has emerged as a social media sensation. As of February 2023, she holds the distinction of being the most-followed NCAA athlete, boasting over 7 million followers on TikTok and 4 million on Instagram. Her popularity has translated into substantial financial success, with an estimated NIL valuation of $3.3 million as of May 2023.
Dunne has leveraged her social media presence to secure long-term partnerships with major brands such as Vuori, American Eagle, and Motorola. Forbes estimates her earnings at $2.3 million for the 12 months ending in June. Notably, she disclosed receiving over $500,000 for a single social media post in July 2023.
In a philanthropic move, she announced the launch of The Livvy Fund in July 2023. The program aims to connect female student athletes at LSU with top brands, facilitating NIL endorsement deals.
As Dunne continues to shine in gymnastics, both competitively and in the digital realm, she exemplifies the evolving landscape where athletes are not only celebrated for their athletic prowess but also for their influence and entrepreneurial spirit.